practicaldermatology.com
Heart transplant (HTx) recipients face a 16% overall risk of developing skin cancer, with squamous and basal cell carcinomas being the most common forms, a new meta-analysis indicated.
"Studies have shown that patients who undergo HTx are at an increased risk for developing skin cancer," the authors wrote. "This condition can add physiological and psychological burden to patients. Therefore, assessing the incidence and identifying risk factors for skin cancer are crucial steps in its prevention."
Researchers for the systematic review and meta-analysis of 34 cohort studies involving HTx recipients quantified the incidence and identified significant risk factors for post-transplant skin cancer. The pooled data, collected from studies up to October 2024, showed an overall incidence of 16% for skin cancer in heart transplant patients, with squamous cell carcinoma (10%) and basal cell carcinoma (8%) being the most common types. Additionally, the United States recorded the highest regional incidence (22%).
Several additional risk factors were also emphasized, including older age (relative risk [RR] = 1.08), male gender (RR = 1.53), white race (RR = 10.23), smoking history (RR = 1.26), prolonged sunlight exposure (≥ 2500 hours; RR = 3.66), a history of pre-transplant cancer (RR = 1.61), and the use of muromonab-CD3 (OKT3) immunosuppressant therapy (RR = 2.61).
"The higher incidence of skin cancer observed in this study highlights the urgent need for follow-up care in HTx recipients," the authors concluded. "General practitioners and community healthcare workers should prioritize early screening and prevention of skin cancer in these patients. Additionally, timely interventions should be implemented for modifiable risk factors. This research provides a theoretical foundation for healthcare professionals in preventing and managing skin cancer in HTx patients."
Source: Yang Y, et al. Archives of Dermatological Research. 2025. Doi:10.1007/s00403-024-03759-7